1. What is a Hydraulic Hose Pressure Drop Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the pressure loss (ΔP) in a hydraulic hose system due to friction.

Purpose: It helps hydraulic system designers and maintenance personnel determine if hose sizing is adequate for maintaining required system pressure.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Darcy-Weisbach equation:

Where:

• \( \Delta P \) — Pressure drop (psi)
• \( f \) — Friction factor (dimensionless)
• \( L \) — Hose length (ft)
• \( \rho \) — Fluid density (lb/ft³)
• \( V \) — Flow velocity (ft/s)
• \( D \) — Hose inner diameter (ft)

Explanation: The equation calculates the pressure loss due to friction in the hose based on fluid properties and flow characteristics.

3. Importance of Pressure Drop Calculation

Details: Proper pressure drop estimation ensures hydraulic systems maintain adequate pressure at actuators and prevents excessive energy losses.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the friction factor (default 0.02 for turbulent flow), hose length, fluid density (default 53.0 lb/ft³ for hydraulic oil), flow velocity, and hose diameter. All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical friction factor for hydraulic hoses?
A: For turbulent flow, it's typically 0.02-0.04 depending on hose material and condition.

Q2: How do I calculate flow velocity?
A: Velocity (ft/s) = Flow Rate (gpm) × 0.3208 / (Hose ID in inches)²

Q3: What's the maximum recommended pressure drop?
A: Generally, pressure drop should be less than 10% of system pressure for efficient operation.

Q4: How does hose diameter affect pressure drop?
A: Pressure drop is inversely proportional to hose diameter - smaller diameters cause much higher pressure losses.

Q5: Does this account for fittings and bends?
A: No, this calculates straight hose losses only. Additional pressure drops from fittings should be calculated separately.